Further Information

Success at No-Dig 2012 for liquid lining products from 3M

23 October 2012

The Infrastructure Protection division of diversified technology company 3M chose No-Dig as the ideal venue to launch two new innovative products aimed at improving asset management in the utilities sector.

Scotchkote Pipe Renewal Liner 2400 from 3M is a liquid applied lining solution for BS:EN 11295:2010 Class D (non-structural) applications, which can also be applied at specified lining thickness to help provide structural enhancement in excess of Class B (semi-structural) requirements for potable water pipe lining applications. At the show, 3M was also able to announce that the product has achieved Regulation 31(4)(a) approval. This means that it is approved for application by a water supplier for public water supply purposes in England, Scotland and Wales.

The development of Scotchkote Liner 2400 draws on 3M’s extensive experience in coatings technology and is formulated using advanced aliphatic polyurea chemistry, which helps to minimise water absorption and extend service life. The product has been certified for use on ductile iron, cast iron, steel and non-asphaltic cement mortar lined (CML) pipes of varying diameters and installed on projects around the world.

Another of 3M’s liquid pipe lining solutions - Scotchkote Rapid Setting Polymeric Lining 166L from 3M - has also been approved under Regulation 31(4)(a) for use on small diameter pipes. Applied via the patented Serline air vortex system, supplied by Whirlwind Utilities, field trials have shown that the water-carrying pipes for 20 properties can be rehabilitated per day compared to 15 per week when using traditional rehabilitation techniques.

Cleaning and application is carried out using the same van, which minimises disruption when working in residential areas, causing less inconvenience to pedestrians and passing traffic. Due to the minimal excavation needed, there is also less chance of striking other service pipes in the area.

Paul Woolvine, General Sales and Marketing Manager – Infrastructure Protection division at 3M, commented: “This is the second time we have exhibited our range of in situ linings at No-Dig, and again we have found it very valuable to have a presence at the show. The confirmation of Regulation 31(4)(a) approval for our products was very timely and we have picked up a number of interesting sales leads from the utilities sector, contractors and end users. No-Dig is a very specialist show allowing us to engage with key customers in a highly focused environment.”

Also on display was a new liquid metal based system for the rapid restoration of sunken or rocking access covers, helping to negate the labour and traffic diversion costs traditionally associated with access cover maintenance. Presented as a kit that contains everything needed to complete the task, including tools and consumables, the system can restore manhole covers to a stable and correct position within the surrounding road surface, and is simple to mix and apply.